Evenepoel won the Volta ao Algarve in 2020 and 2022
Belgian cyclist Remco Evenepoel has confirmed that he will begin his season in Portugal by participating in the ‘Clássica da Figueira’ on February 10 followed by the ‘Volta ao Algarve’ between February 14-18.
The winner of the 2022 UCI World Road Race Championships will seek his third title in the Algarve, after having already won the Volta ao Algarve in 2020 and 2022.
The revelation of his schedule for 2023 was made on Tuesday during the Soudal Quick-Step ‘media day’ in Calpe, Spain.
His participation in these Portuguese events aim to act as preparation for the “main goal” of his season: his debut in the ‘Tour de France’, scheduled between June 29 and July 21.
With a two-time winner now confirmed for the 2024 edition, this year’s Volta ao Algarve is shaping up to be one of the best ever.
Organisers have confirmed that the list of 25 participating teams will include the top five in the 2023 ranking: UAE Team Emirates, Visma|Lease a Bike, Soudal Quick-Step, INEOS Grenadiers and Lidl-Trek.
The five stages have also been announced, starting with the first which will be the longest and will see cyclists competing along a 200.8km route between Portimão and Lagos. The second stage (171.9km) will begin in Lagoa and end at the top of Fóia in Monchique, while the third (192.2km) will take place between Vila Real de Santo António and Tavira. The fourth stage will mark “the biggest innovation of the competition”: a 22.2km individual time trial between the Albufeira Marina and Albufeira Town Hall. The fifth and final 165.8km stage will begin in Faro, with the finish line at Alto do Malhão.
Last year’s Volta ao Algarve was won by Colombian rider Daniel Martínez (INEOS Grenadiers).
michael.bruxo@portugalresident.com
